Niimi

Niimi
新見市
City
Niimi City

Flag
Seal

Location of Niimi in Okayama Prefecture
Niimi
Location in Japan
Coordinates: 34°58′26″N 133°28′23″E / 34.97389°N 133.47306°E / 34.97389; 133.47306Coordinates: 34°58′26″N 133°28′23″E / 34.97389°N 133.47306°E / 34.97389; 133.47306
Country Japan
Region Chūgoku (San'yō)
Prefecture Okayama Prefecture
Government
 • Mayor Masao Ishigaki (since 1994)
Area
 • Total 793.27 km2 (306.28 sq mi)
Population (March 31, 2017)
 • Total 30,583
 • Density 39/km2 (100/sq mi)
Symbols
 • Tree Chamaecyparis
 • Flower Azalea
 • Bird Cettia diphone
Time zone UTC+9 (JST)
City hall address Niimi 310-3, Niimi City, Okayama Prefecture (岡山県新見市新見310-3)
718-0011
Website http://www.city.niimi.okayama.jp/

Niimi (新見市, Niimi-shi) is a city located in northwestern Okayama Prefecture, Japan.

As of March 31, 2017, the city has an estimated population of 30,583 (14,628 males, 15,955 females), with 12,857 households and a population density of 39 persons per km².[1] The total area is 793.27 km². Niimi is located on the upper reaches of the Takahashi River (110.7 kilometres (68.8 mi).[2][3][4]

History

Niimi was known as early as the Heian period (794 – 1185). A shōen manorial estate called Niimi-shō' occupied much of the area of present-day Niimi. Niimi, due to its location on the Takashi River, became an important center of inland trade.[4] In the Sengoku period (1467 – 1573) the Seki clan controlled the area, and established the Niimi Domain.[4] The modern city of Niimi was founded on June 1, 1954.

On March 31, 2005, Niimi absorbed the towns of Ōsa, Shingō, Tessei and Tetta (all from Atetsu District) to become a larger and expanded Niimi.[3]

Attractions

Niimi is known for its limestone caves.[3] They include:

Economy

Niimi was historically known for its iron sand quarries and the production of wagyu beef.[4] The principle industries in modern Niimi are limestone quarrying, cement production,[5] forestry, and tourism. Yamasa Company, Ltd., a producer of pachinko slot machines, is headquartered in the city.[6] Farms in Niimi produce tobacco, peaches, and beef.[5] A black tea plantation is also being trialled here.[7]

Education

The city is served by Niimi Kōritsu Tanki Daigaku, known in English as Niimi College.

Transportation

Rail

Niimi is an important railway center.[5] The city is served by three JR West lines, and all meet at Niimi Station.

Bus

  • Niimi Municipal Bus (新見市営バス, Niimi Chōei Basu)
  • Bihoku Bus Company, Ltd. (備北バス, Bihoku Basu)

Highway

Sister/Friendship cities

Niimi maintains the following Sister/Friendship Cities.

References

  1. ↑ "Official website of Niimi city" (in Japanese). Japan: Niimi City. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
  2. ↑ "高梁川" [Takahashi River]. Kokushi Daijiten (in Japanese). Tokyo: Shogakukan. 2012. OCLC 683276033. Archived from the original on August 25, 2007. Retrieved 2012-08-21.
  3. 1 2 3 "新見" [Niimi]. Dijitaru Daijisen (in Japanese). Tokyo: Shogakukan. 2012. OCLC 56431036. Archived from the original on August 25, 2007. Retrieved 2012-08-21.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "新見" [Niimi]. Kokushi Daijiten (in Japanese). Tokyo: Shogakukan. 2012. OCLC 683276033. Archived from the original on August 25, 2007. Retrieved 2012-08-21.
  5. 1 2 3 "Niimi". Encyclopedia of Japan. Tokyo: Shogakukan. 2012. Archived from the original on August 25, 2007. Retrieved 2012-03-06.
  6. ↑ 山佐株式会社 (in Japanese)
  7. ↑ http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20161102113552065/
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